ESPN: Diamondbacks Resign Third Baseman Eric Chavez

Baseball/Red Stitches and Morning/iStockphoto(PHOENIX) — After testing the free agent market, third baseman Eric Chavez has decided to return to Arizona. According to ESPN, Chavez and the Diamondbacks have agreed one a one-year deal.

At 36 years old and suffering various injuries during his 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, Chavez’ days as a full-time player are over, but he still provides a great bat off the bench.

Chavez had always hoped to remain with the team, and the interest was mutual.

“They know I like it here,” Chavez told the Arizona Republic back in September. “This is my home, my kids are here, spring training’s five minutes from my house. It’s a given that I would want to come back.”

In his first season in the National League, Chavez’ 44 RBIs were the fourth-most on the team despite playing in just 80 games. He also hit .281 with nine home runs.

Chavez is a former six-time Gold Glove winner during his 13 seasons with the Oakland Athletics. He also won a Silver Slugger Award back in 2002.